The nurse is preparing to obtain a tympanic temperature for an adult patient. How does the nurse properly insert the ear probe?

Choice A reason: Removing restraints every 15 minutes is excessive and impractical. While frequent monitoring is required, removing restraints this often could compromise patient safety if the restraints are necessary to prevent harm. Toileting should be offered regularly, but the removal schedule must balance patient dignity with safety.

Choice B reason: Checking restraints every 2 hours is insufficient. Patients in restraints must be monitored much more frequently to ensure circulation, skin integrity, and safety. Two-hour intervals could allow complications such as impaired circulation, skin breakdown, or psychological distress to go unnoticed.

Choice C reason: Delegating safety checks to a UAP every hour is inappropriate because restraint monitoring requires licensed nursing judgment. LPNs must personally assess circulation, skin condition, and patient comfort. UAPs can assist with care but cannot replace the nurse’s responsibility for restraint monitoring.

Choice D reason: The correct action is to check the patient every 15 minutes and remove restraints every 2 hours if safe. This schedule ensures frequent monitoring for circulation, skin integrity, and psychological well-being, while also providing opportunities for mobility, toileting, and comfort. Removing restraints every 2 hours prevents complications and respects patient dignity, while frequent checks ensure safety.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because collaboration is necessary for all patients, not just those with chronic illnesses. Effective teamwork ensures comprehensive care regardless of diagnosis.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect and misleading. Collaboration does not cause billing errors; rather, it improves patient outcomes and efficiency. Billing errors are administrative issues, not a result of interdisciplinary teamwork.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because communication does not eliminate the need for nursing interventions. Nurses remain essential in patient care, and collaboration enhances, rather than replaces, nursing responsibilities.

Choice D reason: This is the correct statement. Collaboration among healthcare professionals reduces the risk of patient injury by ensuring coordinated care. For example, PT helps with safe ambulation, while dietary ensures proper nutrition. Together, these interventions may shorten hospital stays and improve recovery.